Mated to My Intended's Enemy novel Chapter 21

Chapter 21: Chapter 21 Dance With Me

Victoria

The women approached in what seemed like formation, led by a regal-looking redhead whose graceful movements spoke of decades of pack politics.

"Alpha Leo," she greeted with practiced charm before turning her emerald gaze to me. "And this must be your... unexpected Luna."

"Luna Regina of the Silver Lake Pack," Leo introduced. "My mate, Victoria Moretti from Howlthorne Pack."

Regina’s smile was calculating as she extended her hand. "Such a pleasure. We were all quite surprised when Leo announced his mating. He’s been... resistant to commitment for so long."

I shook her hand firmly, meeting her gaze. "Sometimes the right connection changes everything."

"Hmm, connection," echoed a willowy blonde beside Regina. "Is that what they call it these days?"

"Luna Cassandra," Leo introduced, warning evident in his tone. "Mountain Ridge Pack."

Cassandra’s smile. "Forgive my directness, but we’re all curious. How does a half-human with no awakened wolf captivate one of the most powerful Alphas in the region? It’s quite the fairy tale."

My cheeks burned, but before I could respond, another voice cut in—warm and genuine.

"Perhaps because she offers something beyond the typical ambitions we see in pack politics."

A dark-haired woman with kind eyes stepped forward, giving Cassandra a pointed look before turning to me. "Luna Elena of Western Woods Pack. Pay Cassandra no mind—she’s still bitter that Alpha Leonard rejected her daughter last spring."

Luna Cassandra’s face flushed with anger as nervous titters spread through the group.

"Victoria," Leo interrupted, his expression unreadable, "would you honor me with another dance?"

Grateful for the rescue, I took his hand, allowing him to lead me back to the dance floor. As we moved away, I heard Elena scolding the others.

"I’m sorry about that," Leo murmured as he pulled me close for a slow dance. "Pack politics can be brutal."

"Is it true?" I asked. "About Cassandra’s daughter?"

A wry smile touched his lips. "She tried to orchestrate a mating between us for years. I wasn’t interested."

"And now they think I somehow tricked you into choosing me instead." The irony wasn’t lost on me—if they only knew our arrangement had begun as a business transaction.

"Let them think what they want," Leo replied, his arms tightening possessively around my waist. "What matters is what’s between us."

As we danced, I noticed a commotion near the refreshment tables. A tall, handsome man was speaking animatedly with Elder Maxwell, repeatedly glancing in our direction.

"Who’s that?" I asked.

Leo’s expression darkened. "Gamma Carson. Ambitious, intelligent, and dangerous in his own way."

"Dangerous how?"

"He believes in purity of bloodlines above all else. He’s been vocal about his... concerns regarding your position as Luna."

As if sensing our attention, Carson looked directly at us, his gaze cold and calculating. He raised his glass in a mock salute before turning back to his conversation.

"Don’t worry about him," Leo assured me, though I detected concern in his voice. "I won’t let anyone harm you."

The music changed to something more energetic, and other couples filled the dance floor. Leo guided me through the crowd, keeping me close as we navigated the increasingly rowdy celebration.

"The hunt will begin at midnight," he explained. "After the ceremonial howl, the warriors will depart to track the marked prey. It’s an honor bestowed only on our strongest fighters."

"Will you participate?" I asked.

"As Alpha, I lead the primary hunting party. It’s tradition." His eyes searched mine. "Will you be alright for those few hours without me?"

Before I could answer, a deep voice interrupted us. "Alpha Leo, forgive the intrusion."

We turned to find Carson standing before us, his posture respectful despite the challenge in his eyes. "I wanted to personally welcome our new Luna to her first Hunt Festival."

Leo’s arm tightened around my waist. "Carson."

"Luna Victoria," Carson continued, ignoring Leo’s warning tone. "Your presence has certainly... enlivened our traditional gathering. I wonder, though, how you’ll participate in the ceremonial howl without an awakened wolf?"

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